FRANCE SHINES IN THE WAVES OF CAPARICA
Round 1 of the Quiksilver ISA World Juniors Begins in Clean Small Waves
06 MAY 2007: 17-year old Charles? Martin of France, posted the highest single wave score of the day, (9.17 out of 10 points) and the highest heat score (16.17 out of 20) of the Under 18 Boys at the 2007 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships today in Costa de Caparica, Portugal. "Today's surfing was difficult,” said Martin. “But I? was lucky to win the last heat of the day, going out in the high tide.? I feel very confident, but I am also very much aware of the quality of? my rivals.”
Martin’s teammate, Marc Lacomare, 17, also put on a show. Lacomare took to the water in the first heat of the day and looked entirely at home in the morning’s clean and small (1-2 feet, .5 meter) surf. “I had a few good scores so I’m happy,” said Lacomare. “Tomorrow the surf should be bigger and I’m stoked to pass through my first heat. I love this contest and I know this wave so I hope to do well here.”
While the conditions proved challenging for all of the surfers, many competitors still managed to stand out. Australia’s Chris Salisbury, 17, (Newport Beach, NSW) convincingly won his first round heat with smooth backside surfing. Salisbury, competing in the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championships for the first time, said he was enjoying the international flavor and camaraderie of the event. “It’s really fun to stay with all of the other competitors from around the world and meet everyone,” said Salisbury. “The first few days have been a full on froth fest.”
Tonino Benson, 17, (Kona, Hawaii) also looked strong. “The key was to catch a lot of waves and get a rhythm going,” said Benson. While the waves lacked the power of Hawaii and the water temperature was a lot colder, Benson said his squad is ready for anything. “It’s difficult out there today, but we’ve got a strong team and we’ll adapt,” he said.
Brazil, the team most comfortable in this type of surf, also put in a solid effort today. Alejo Muniz, 17, current U16 silver medallist, from Florianoplis, Brazil unleashed a ferocious backhand attack in the afternoon. “I caught some good waves and I’m really happy to be here with the Brazilian team,” said Muniz. “The waves here are like they are in Brazil and I think we have a really good chance to win.”
This contest is unique because the competitors surf not for prize money, but for medals and the pride of representing their countries, as members of their official National Surfing Teams. Each heat the young surfers walked down to the water’s edge, waved their nation’s flag and cheered for their compatriots.
A few meters away from the ocean, the action was equally intense at the skate ramp as surfers had fun practicing their airs on land for the days ahead when the surf is expected to increase in size.
The Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships was broadcast live on the Internet, at www.quiksilver.com/isa and thousands of surf fans logged in from Austrália, Barbados, Jamaica, Canada, South África, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom and the USA to watch all of the action and to email in words of support for their favorite teams.
Organization:
Caparica Surfing Clube
Praia do CDS - Costa de Caparica
Tel: 212 919 078 | Fax: 212 919 079
E-mail: caparicaeventos@mail.telepac.pt
PR5 | MAIO ’07
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About International Surfing Association (ISA):
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding and surfriding. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980.
ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of over 50 countries on six continents. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in Rio, and re-elected six times since. The ISA's four Vice Presidents are Alan Atkins (Australia), Robin de Kock (South Africa), Maile Aguerre (Hawaii) and Mike Gerard (USA).
www.isasurf.org
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